COVID-19 ANTIBODY TEST
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COVID-19 Antibody Test FAQs

• How can I get the COVID-19 antibody test?

  The COVID-19 antibody test is available at urgent care centers, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, lab test providers, and hospitals, says the CDC. Contact your healthcare provider directly to find out if it offers the COVID antibody test, or use Solv to find a testing provider in your area. Solv also allows you to make a same- or next-day appointment.

• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?

  COVID-19 antibody tests can tell you if you have had a previous COVID-19 infection, says the FDA. In comparison, a diagnostic COVID test can tell you if you are currently infected by COVID-19. If your goal is to find out whether you currently have COVID-19, ask your healthcare provider about your options for diagnostic tests, or use Solv to find a nearby COVID-19 testing provider.

• What should I expect when I take the antibody test?

  According to New York City Health, the COVID-19 antibody test requires giving a blood sample. During the test, your healthcare provider will take a sample of your blood with a quick finger prick or by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. The NIH adds that this test usually only takes about five minutes. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss your results after they return.

• Are there any limitations to COVID-19 antibody tests?

  According to the FDA, the COVID antibody test could produce a false negative, which occurs when the test fails to detect antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 even though you have them. It adds that your test result may also come back negative if you received the COVID-19 vaccine, but your body produced different antibody types in response to the vaccine. Your doctor can discuss other limitations of COVID antibody tests with you in more detail during your appointment.

• Can I use a semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test to determine my level of immunity?

  No, a semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test cannot determine your level of immunity to COVID-19, even if you have been vaccinated for this disease, reports the FDA. It adds that even though a positive antibody test can indicate that an immune response has occurred, more research is needed.

• Can I use a semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test to track my antibody levels over time?

  No, the semi-quantitative COVID-19 antibody test cannot track your antibody levels over time, says the FDA. This test cannot evaluate your level of immunity or protection from COVID-19, even if you have received a vaccination against COVID-19. The FDA adds that if antibody test results are interpreted incorrectly, people may take fewer precautions against this disease.

• How much does a COVID antibody test cost in San Francisco?

  The cost of the COVID antibody test depends on factors such as rates set by the provider and whether your health insurance covers some or all testing costs. According to the University of Rochester, many health insurers are not covering the cost of the COVID antibody test unless it is considered medically appropriate for diagnosis and treatment purposes. Check with your healthcare provider to confirm the cost of the COVID antibody test.

• Should I get tested?

  According to the CDC, the COVID antibody test may be ideal for you if you want to know if you have previously been exposed to COVID-19, or if you want to know if you have antibodies if you already had this disease. The COVID antibody test cannot tell you if you currently have COVID-19.

• Where can I get a COVID antibody test in San Francisco?

  The COVID antibody test is available from many pharmacies, labs, and healthcare providers. To find a testing provider, use Solv’s directory to find the highest-rated COVID antibody testing providers in your area.